ESPN announces role changes for Crawford, Buccigross

ESPN’s Jay Crawford and John Buccigross will have new “SportsCenter” assignments, effective July 9.

Crawford, host of ESPN2′s “First Take” (formerly “Cold Pizza”) since August 2003, will co-anchor the noon-3 p.m. “SportsCenter,” working alongside Chris McKendry. He replaces Buccigross, who will become part of the 11 p.m. rotation of Scott Van Pelt, Steve Levy, Stuart Scott, Linda Cohn and Robert Flores.

The announcements were made by Mark Gross, ESPN’s senior vice president and executive producer, production, and a 1984 graduate of Troy High.

“We’re always looking to improve our shows in both content and delivery, and this is yet another example of SportsCenter’s constant evolution to accomplish those goals,” Gross said in a statement. “John’s personality in describing highlights will add to our late-night depth, while Jay provides a familiar face in a new role for mid-day viewers of our networks.”

The network said plans for Crawford’s “First Take” replacement are “currently in progress.”

Buccigross also will become voice of ESPN’s NCAA Frozen Four coverage, beginning in 2013 in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He has called regional games since 2006. (Personal note from the author: Buccigross isn’t very good on hockey play-by-play — the network should say with Gary Thorne.)